§ MR. SINCLAIR (Falkirk, &c.)asked the Postmaster General, If he is yet able to give any information as to the establishment at an early date of a system of "night," or "half-rate," telegraphic messages?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)I am well aware of the interest taken by the hon. Gentleman in this question. I have devoted some consideration to it at the hon. Gentleman's instance. I am sorry I cannot give a more favourable reply. After the fullest consideration I can give to the subject, I am of opinion that it would be undesirable at the present time to make any alteration in the tariff for night messages, seeing the comparatively short period that has elapsed since the present tariff came into operation. As yet the financial result of the change cannot be ascertained with certainty; but as soon as we are in a position to know exactly where we stand with regard to the effects of the change, I think the experiment which the hon. Gentleman suggests will be a very interesting one to try.